Throwback Thursday: Trestles

Tucked along the coastline between San Clemente and Camp Pendleton, Trestles is more than just a surf spot—it’s a rite of passage. Known for its world-class waves, rebellious history, and deep roots in surf culture, this legendary break wasn’t always the surfing paradise it is today. For decades, surfers risked it all—sneaking past military patrols, hopping fences, and dodging train conductors—just for a chance to ride its perfect waves. Today, it’s one of the most famous surf breaks in the world, hosting professional contests and attracting surfers from across the globe. But before all of that, it was a battleground between wave chasers and the U.S. Marines.

 

So how did Trestles go from off-limits military land to one of the most famous surf breaks in the world? Let’s paddle back in time.

 

Trestles gets its name from the wooden railroad trestles that once stood over San Mateo Creek, marking the trail to the beach. Before it became synonymous with surfing, the area was part of Camp Pendleton, a U.S. Marine Corps base established in 1942. That meant civilians weren’t allowed anywhere near it, and surfing at Trestles was strictly forbidden. But in the 1950s and ‘60s, word began to spread about the flawless, peeling waves breaking along this stretch of coastline. Stories circulated about long, glassy rides and near-perfect conditions. The only problem? Getting there was illegal.

 

With no legal access, surfers had to get creative. Many would hike through miles of thick brush, while others sprinted across train tracks, hoping to avoid both oncoming locomotives and military patrols. Some even rafted down San Mateo Creek, paddling their way to the break under cover of darkness. Those who got caught often faced stern warnings, hefty trespassing tickets, or even had their boards confiscated. Yet, the risk didn’t deter them. The waves were too good to ignore, and each successful surf session felt like a small victory against authority. Over time, this underground surf scene at Trestles only grew, creating a rebellious surf culture that fueled its legend.

 

 

After decades of cat-and-mouse games between surfers and military police, a major shift finally happened. In 1971, California State Parks took over San Onofre State Beach, which included Trestles, officially making it open to the public. The days of dodging Marines and sneaking in through the backcountry were over, but the adventure of surfing Trestles remained. Even with its new legal status, Trestles wasn’t an easy place to get to—surfers still had to make the long trek from Cristianitos Road, carrying their boards underarm and walking a mile just to reach the beach. That same tradition exists today, with every surfer making the hike down the trail as part of the Trestles experience.

 

What started as a secret surf spot hidden behind military fences has now become a global surfing destination. Trestles has hosted World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour events, bringing in top surfers like Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, and Gabriel Medina. Despite its international reputation, Trestles hasn’t lost its mystique. The waves still fire year-round, the train still rumbles by, and the walk down still makes that first paddle out feel like an accomplishment. While today’s surfers no longer have to dodge military patrols, they do have to battle crowds, e-bikes, and weekend warriors, proving that every generation has its own obstacles to reaching the perfect wave.

 

Trestles isn’t just another surf break—it’s a place with history, resilience, and a spirit of adventure. Every surfer who paddles out is following in the footsteps of those early wave riders who risked fines, arrest, and even their boards just to experience one perfect ride. It’s a place that demands dedication, where the journey to the beach is just as much a part of the experience as the waves themselves. So next time you make the walk down the Trestles trail, take a moment to appreciate what it took to turn this once-forbidden paradise into one of the most celebrated surf spots in the world.